American woman Kerrene Taylor reveals the huge reality check she got when she landed in Australia

An American woman has revealed the biggest personality change she has encountered after packing her bags and moving to Australia.

Kerrene Taylor, from Washington, moved to Perth for work seven years ago.

And quickly learned to ‘go with the flow’ and subscribe to the ‘laidback’ Australian culture of adapting to your surroundings rather than demanding special treatment.

The marketing expert admitted that it was difficult to let go of some of her Americanisms.

But when she has it has felt like a complete transformation. 

‘One of the things about living in Australia as an American is just how much less I care about having things my way,’ she said in the video.

She went on to explain life and expectations in America. 

‘The States is a culture where you can customise anything – you can change any menu, and have any drink or meal exactly how you want it, no matter how it’s presented on the menu.’

Kerrene also said that most American restaurants are open 24 hours.

‘Australia is so different,’ she realised after moving to Perth.

‘Cafes will close at 2pm, restaurants won’t be open between lunch and dinner sometimes, and you generally don’t ask to change things on the menu, either.’

‘All of those little day to day things means I can’t have stuff exactly how I want them when I want them.’

The biggest transformation occurred when she realised how little she cared about having things her away after a lifetime of customisation – and how much more personal time Aussie employers offer their staff

Another thing that shocked Kerrene was the amount of time she gets off work. 

‘It genuinely feels like every time we have a public holiday, there is another one around the corner.’

The American was also surprised about annual leave. 

‘It just feels like we get a really good amount of time off work every year,’ she said.

‘When I talk to people who aren’t originally from Australia but live here now, we all feel the sense that it’s like a little bit too good to be true.’

Kerrene admitted to feeling a severe amount of ‘residual guilt’ over America’s ‘work comes first’ norm.

She also realised that whenever she faced an inconvenience – such as an eatery not being open – it was just due to someone else’s work and life balance.  

Many agreed that Aussie culture was much better when it came to employment and relaxation.

‘The reality of the ‘convenience’ that is offered by American businesses is that it’s only possible through exploiting low-paid workers,’ one woman wrote.

‘It’s also because we don’t tip and wait staff gets paid a proper salary – so they don’t feel like they need to do whatever the customer wants.’

‘Australia doesn’t subscribe to American individualism – we’re all mates here.’